Make a Day of It
As you make plans to attend a Kaleidoscope performance, you may consider
"Making a day of it!" There are many educational opportunities
for students outside of the traditional classroom that are near the Gallagher-Bluedorn
Performing Arts Center. Below are a variety of attractions that may have
a special connection with your curriculum goals. The attractions are separated
according to topic area. Please contact the specific attraction for details
regarding what they may have to offer your students. A contact name, phone
number, and web site address (if available) have been provided for your
convenience.
History
Grout Museum of History & Science
Jacky McGrane
319-234-6357
Throughout its 45-year history, the Grout Museum of History & Science,
widely acknowledged as one of the cornerstones of culture in Northeast
Iowa, has worked to fulfill its mission to collect, preserve and interpret
cultural and natural history of the region. Drawing from the museum’s
extensive collection, the museum features many permanent exhibits and
ever-changing temporary exhibits. One can also experience astronomy at
the Grout Planetarium as the star projector turns the 17-foot dome into
an exciting virtual world or explore historical and genealogical documents
in the Hans J. Chryst Library/Archives.
Rensselaer Russell House Museum
Jacky McGrane
319-234-6357
Nestled in the heart of northeast Iowa is a small jewel of American mid-Victorian
architecture. This lovely brick structure, inhabited by three generations
of the Russell family, is one of the oldest homes in Black Hawk County.
The Rensselaer Russell House – often cited as Iowa’s finest
example of Italianate architecture – was built it in 1861 at a cost
of $5,878.83. As the Grout Museum District’s largest artifact, it
has been restored to the 1890’s. Guided tours allow visitors to
step into an authentic Victorian interior, including family belongings,
make purchases in the Pie Safe Gift Shop and wander through picturesque
Victorian gardens.
Snowden House
Jacky McGrane
319-234-6357
The Victorian Italianate architectural style home was completed in 1881
and occupied by the William Snowden family. During the winter, heating
of the home was so difficult that the family retreated to their apartment
over Mr. Snowden’s pharmacy. Thus, it became known as the Snowden
Summer Home. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
for its exterior.
Northeast Iowa Weavers & Spinners Guild
Karen Agee
319-277-1087
The Northeast Iowa Weavers & Spinners Guild is a group dedicated
to honoring and promoting the fibre arts. The traditional crafts of weaving,
spinning, rug making and related crafts such as basket making, paper making
and dyeing are practiced and shared by its members. The home of the Guild
is the Fiber Arts Studio in downtown Cedar Falls.
Ice House Museum
Kelly Schott
319-266-5149
The Ice House Museum features an outstanding display of the items used
in cutting, harvesting, storing, selling and the use of natural ice. Blocks
of "ice" are stacked as they would have been in the ice house
with the tools used by the men who delivered ice to homes and businesses
throughout the area. Life-sized photos of two early ice men along with
several different types of ice-boxes, a large two-horse ice wagon, original
photos and an information panel help visitors to understand this unusual
industry that existed in almost every town in America in the last half
of the 1800's and early 1900's. A scale model of the ice house in the
early 1920's is also featured.
Marshall One Room Schoolhouse, University Museum
Doris Mitchell
319-273-2188
The Marshall Center School is an active reminder of Iowa's historically
prominent role in quality education, the role of the University of Northern
Iowa in training teachers and the shaping of 19th Century America through
its rural schools. The School has been restored as it was in the early
1920s, a time of global change following WWI and a time of social and
educational change in the United States and in Iowa. Through original
furnishings, period artifacts, research, and re-creations, the School
offers visitors one of the most authentic historic atmospheres in Iowa.
University Museum
Doris Mitchell
319-273-2188
The University Museum is one of only five major natural history museums
within the State of Iowa, and one of an even smaller number featuring
collections with a global perspective. The collections, which support
the University's curriculum and research, cover a wide selection of natural
and human history topics. The Museum offers events and programs to heighten
student and public awareness of environmental and cultural diversity and
serves as a forum for the discussion of global issues.
George Wyth House & Viking Pump Museum
Kelly Schott
319-266-5149
The Historical Society acquired the Wyth House in 1979 as a bequest from
Dorothy G. Wyth who gave the house in memory of her parents, George and
Alice Wyth. This treasured home has been restored and decorated with the
influence of the Art Deco Period of the 1920’s and 30’s. The
house includes a small museum dedicated to the Viking Pump Company of
which both George Wyth and his son, Robert, were presidents. The company
continues to be a vital part of our community.
Behrens-Rapp Service Station Museum
Kelly Schott
319-266-5149
In 1925, the Behrens Brothers built a "gas" station on land
that had been purchased at the intersection of 14th Street and Waterloo
Road in September of 1924. The station was operated by the Behrens Brothers
from 1925 to 1945. The Behrens Brothers--Rapp Station was moved on July
21, 1993 from it's original site at 14th Street and Waterloo Road to the
present location at First and Clay. This restored gas station is also
an information center for visitors to the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area.
Antique Acres
Harold Pries
319-352-2598
The history of agriculture is told through this extensive collection
of restored and preserved antique steam, saw milling and farm machinery.
Antique Acres provides the opportunity to take a look at the rich agriculture
history and gain an understanding of the Iowan heritage through the important
industries of farming and milling.
Little Red Schoolhouse Museum
Kelly Schott
319-266-5149
Built in 1909, this charming schoolhouse is equipped with blackboards,
books, a pot belly stove and turn-of-the-century furnishings. Originally
known as Bennington Township Schoolhouse #5, this building is representative
of the more than 9,000 rural schools that once dotted the state. Consolidations
eliminated these one-room schools by 1966, but this building survives
as a reminder of early education in Iowa. A tour of the school can take
your imagination back to a simpler time; a time of rural life; a time
when brothers, sisters and neighboring children gathered each school day
to recite their lessons in a building like this.
Victorian Home & Carriage House Museum
Kelly Schott
319-266-5149
The Victorian Home is an 1863 Italianate style home features furnishings
and memorabilia documenting the area’s early history from 1880-1900.
The Carriage House contains the Historical Society’s research library
and permanent and changing exhibits, including the William J. Lenoir O-gauge
Model Railroad exhibit. This collection consists of hand-built brass steam
locomotives, gas-electric cars, passenger cars, freight cars, railroad
structures, and a large track layout. All items were built by Bill Lenoir
to the scale of _ inch to the foot. Mr. Lenoir was one of the pioneers
and all-time greats in model railroad history.
Silos & Smokestacks
Candy Streed
319-234-4567
Silos & Smokestacks seeks to ensure that residents and visitors alike
can learn about the significant contributions Northeast Iowa’s people
and land have made to America’s agricultural legacy which is one
of the primary sources of this country’s wealth and world leadership.
Silos & Smokestacks strives to convey the breath and scope of this
story in a compelling, meaningful way. This heritage is interpreted through
the use of six themes: The Fertile Land, Farmers & Families, The Changing
Farm, Higher Yields: The Science & Technology of Agriculture, Farm
to Factory: Agribusiness in Iowa, and Organizing for Agriculture: Policies
and Politics.
Arts
Junior Art Gallery
Maureen Hastings
319-291-4490
Junior Art Gallery was founded in 1968 by the Waterloo Cultural Arts
Commission, Waterloo Schools and the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Junior League.
The Gallery offers a unique cultural experience for over 13,000 northeast
Iowa children and adults each year. With an emphasis on art and education,
these annually changing exhibits introduce visitors to various cultures,
creating a greater understanding and appreciation of the world around
us. This year’s exhibit will feature Frank Lloyd Wright and his
influences in architecture.
Waterloo Center for the Arts
Maureen Hastings
319-291-4490
The Waterloo Center for the Arts is a non-profit institution dedicated
to fostering community awareness and appreciation of the arts by acquiring,
preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting significant works of art. It
offers a wide range of programs, exhibits, and activities to the community
including a permanent collection featuring Midwest Art, American Decorative
Arts, and the largest public collection of Haitian Art in the United States,
changing art exhibitions in the various galleries as well as multi-cultural
exhibits and cultural enrichment programs.
Hearst Center for the Arts, Hearst Center Sculpture Garden
Joanne Richter
319-268-5504
The Hearst Center for the Arts features works from local and regional
artists in traveling and special focus exhibitions. The permanent collection
provides a fascinating perspective on Iowa, the Midwest and the nation.
Recent traveling exhibitions have showcased exquisite prints by Rembrant,
Picasso, Pissarro, Dali and Daumier; avant-garde postage stamp designs;
dramatic Russian icons; and many others works of distinction from private
and public collections. This multi-purpose art center features two galleries,
a recital hall, a small library and sculpture garden.
UNI – Gallery of Art
Darrell Taylor
319-273-6134
The UNI Gallery of Art was established in its current location in 1984,
with the construction of the Kamerick Art Building. The Gallery features
nine contemporary changing art exhibits throughout the year. Featured
annually is the Faculty Art Exhibit in the fall and the Juried Student
Art Exhibit in the spring, both showcasing the talent in the Art Department
at the University of Northern Iowa. The UNI Gallery of Art serves as an
educational complement to the UNI Department of Art and as a cultural
resource for the University and Iowa communities.
Science
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium
Jacky McGrane
319-234-6357
The Carl A. and Peggy J. Bluedorn Science Imaginarium opened in 1993.
Described as a "playground for the imagination", this interactive
science center provides fun hands-on exhibits that demonstrate how science
affects everyday life. The Imaginarium provides opportunities for schoolchildren
and teachers to learn and experiment with physics, light, sound, momentum
and other scientific concepts. The Imaginarium is also home to some interesting
live biological specimens. Daily science demonstrations get the audience
involved with the action.
Grout Museum of History & Science
Jacky McGrane
319-234-6357
Throughout its 45-year history, the Grout Museum, widely acknowledged
as one of the cornerstones of culture in Northeast Iowa, has worked to
fulfill its mission to collect, preserve and interpret cultural and natural
history of the region. The museum features many permanent exhibits and
ever-changing temporary exhibits. One can also experience astronomy at
the Grout Planetarium as the star projector turns the 17-foot dome into
an exciting virtual world or explore historical and genealogical documents
in the Hans J. Chryst Library/Archives.
Nature
Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Sue Schuerman
319-226-4966
In 1995, eight Cedar Valley residents began the initiative to establish
an arboretum and botanic garden. Today, 400 people are involved in the
ongoing project, over 450 trees have been planted and 24 acres are under
development. Recreational, cultural and educational opportunities abound.
Nationally recognized landscape architects, Buettner and Associates, developed
the master plan, which includes the arboretum, botanical gardens, prairie,
conservatory and service area. The gardens showcase a variety of plants
and trees native to this area. Open June – Sept.
Hartman Nature Reserve
Sandy Sulcher
319-277-2187
Hartman Reserve Nature Center is a 288.5 acre wooded isle located in
the heart of metropolitan Black Hawk County and features lakes, valleys,
prairie, and open meadow, all teaming with wildlife. Its Interpretive
Center houses displays and exhibits which help explain the local environment.
Hartman Reserve Nature Center is dedicated to the management and protection
of a unique natural area and the promotion of a better understanding of
our environment through education, recreation and community involvement.
UNI Botanical Center
Department of Biology
319-273-2247
The UNI Biology Botanical Center is located on central campus and houses
a diverse assortment of living plants from around the world. The resources
offered provide a variety of first hand learning opportunities for students.
The botanical center operation itself includes opportunities for student
internships on botancial center techniques and management.
University
of Northern Iowa
Marshall One Room Schoolhouse, University Museum
Doris Mitchell
319-273-2188
The Marshall Center School is an active reminder of Iowa's historically
prominent role in quality education, the role of the University of Northern
Iowa in training teachers and the shaping of 19th Century America through
its rural schools. The School has been restored as it was in the early
1920s, a time of global change following WWI and a time of social and
educational change in the United States and in Iowa. Through original
furnishings, period artifacts, research, and re-creations, the School
offers visitors one of the most authentic historic atmospheres in Iowa.
University Museum
Doris Mitchell
319-273-2188
The University Museum is one of only five major natural history museums
within the State of Iowa, and one of an even smaller number featuring
collections with a global perspective. The collections, which support
the University's curriculum and research, cover a wide selection of natural
and human history topics. The Museum offers events and programs to heighten
student and public awareness of environmental and cultural diversity and
serves as a forum for the discussion of global issues.
UNI – Gallery of Art
Darrell Taylor
319-273-6134
The UNI Gallery of Art was established in its current location in 1984,
with the construction of the Kamerick Art Building. The Gallery features
nine contemporary changing art exhibits throughout the year. Featured
annually is the Faculty Art Exhibit in the fall and the Juried Student
Art Exhibit in the spring, both showcasing the talent in the Art Department
at the University of Northern Iowa. The UNI Gallery of Art serves as an
educational complement to the UNI Department of Art and as a cultural
resource for the University and Iowa communities.
Other
Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
Sandy Thomas
319-236-9502
This 38,000 square foot center is home to numerous conventions, trade
shows, and events as well as events, public art exhibits and military
exhibits. It is located next to the Ramada Inn in Waterloo and the two
buildings are connected through a skywalk system.
John Deere Operations
Mary Swehla
319-292-7801
Waterloo is the home of the John Deere Waterloo Operations, which is
comprised of the John Deere Engine Works and the four factories of the
John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works. The John Deere Waterloo Operations
has over 195 acres of manufacturing floor space located on 2,485 acres
of land and employs approximately 5,000 people from Waterloo, Cedar Falls,
and the surrounding area. Tours are available, but reservations are required.
Fall visits are recommended as there is limited availability of tours
January through March. Students must be 13 years or older to tour the
facilities.
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